You know that my car was in the shop for three weeks, right? It all started with the airbags, which I needed in order to pass the CHP Inspection. I got it back about two weeks ago, but not without a lot of aggravation. After we finally got the correct control module, the brakes needed fixing. Then there was the search for the passenger side airbag brackets. Everything was eventually resolved and fixed. New airbags, control module, brake pads, brake rotors, CV boot, and brackets. Finally, my car was ready to come home!

I was thrilled because I'd already scheduled a CHP Inspection. I felt very nervous, wondering if my Altima would pass, and what I'd do if it didn't. I got there early, and was seen shortly afterwards. I remembered how to pop the hood, which was a plus. I watched the guy walk around my car in a circle with his clipboard, jotting stuff down. I tried not to hold my breath. Ten minutes later, I passed the inspection. WOO!

Inside the DMV, I stood in line for an hour with all my paperwork and a novel. A boy behind me stuttered in Russian. The plot moved forward in my book. A full hour ticked by, and then it was my turn to go to the next available window.

"I think this is everything I need to get my car registered in California," I said to the lady as I forked over my paperwork.

She sifted through it slowly, looking things over. Apologetically, she said there was another fee I hadn't been charged last time I was there. No problem. I had my checkbook (and the money in the bank to cover it).

"Oh, and there's one last thing you need. A brake and light inspection."

"A what?"

"You need a brake and light inspection certificate, and then you'll be all set."

She didn't even have a list of places who would do that for me. I asked if I'd have to stand in line again if I could just get it done that day. Nope, just come back to her. I asked her explicitly, "Is this really the LAST THING I NEED in order to get my plates?" and she said yes.

I raced home, ate a sandwich, and contemplated my options. I called the place where I'd gotten a smog check and they referred me to a 76 Station. I didn't even look up the number. I just drove on over. The guy said he'd be happy to take care of it that day. "Just sign here," he said after he'd printed up the estimate. ONE HUNDRED AND THREE DOLLARS.

That was actually NOT in the bank. My car and I went home and sulked. The next day, I called AAA and got two referrals. The first place didn't do inspection certificates. They gave me another number to a Beacon station. Turns out it's not a Beacon station anymore. Oh, and they don't do inspections either. But they recommended a nearby Chevron!

I got so fed up, I gave up for a few days. My new temporary registration doesn't expire until August first, so I knew there was no immediate rush. Other than the fact that I've been trying to register my car in California since, I don't know, FEBRUARY.

Yesterday, I called the 76 Station again, and confirmed that they actually gave out inspection certificates for the DMV. Yes, they did. Yes, they could see my car. In fact, I'd have it back by five!

Four o' clock, the phone rings. My driver's side rear wheel cylinder is leaking. Time frame: 1 hour. Cost of labor: $75. Getting my car back, complete with inspection certificate: Priceless. I gave the go ahead.

Five o' clock: "The new wheel cylinder isn't in yet, but you can come get your car and bring it back tomorrow and we'll fix it for you."

5:10: "Oh, oops, the mechanic is gone for the night and the wheel is completely off your car. We'll fix it first thing in the morning and give you a call."

When I hadn't heard from them by 12:30, I decided to give them a call. None of the wheel cylinders they ordered were fitting. By 5:30, they'd tried eight total, none of which worked. But! There's one they found that should work. In Los Angeles!!! WHY IS THIS SUCH A PAIN IN MY ASS?!?!

My car is home now. The part should be in by Friday. I'll take my car over there AGAIN and this time, god help me, it should work. I really NEED for my car to just stay in working order. I really need parts of my car to NOT have to be replaced with parts from other cities and/or states EVERY time I take my car to be inspected for something (such as the control module from Texas, the brackets from Sacramento, the airbags from Kentucky, or the wheel cylinder, from L.A.).

I really need for all this aggravation to just be over, already. Seriously.